The pace of play in college lacrosse reached its lowest level in six years in 2014, continuing debate that perhaps it is time for the sport to adopt a shot clock similar to that of Major League Lacrosse. This pace, measured by the average number of offensive and defensive possessions per 60 minutes for each team, steadily declined for four years from 2009 to 2012. While the DI lacrosse world saw an increase in pace of play in 2013, the number went down to its lowest amount in 2014 at 59.85.

One possible explanation is the discrepancy in the number of shot clock violations called against each team in college lacrosse. While teams like Navy saw at least a shot clock violation called per game, some teams, like Monmouth, did not see any, according to play-by-play data.

While certain styles of play may warrant more shot clock violations, the discrepancy is quite drastic and makes one wonder about the consistency in the implementation of the rule, and if the rules need to be slightly modified.

When one looks at the average possession length as compared to stall warnings, there appears to be no direct relationship.

There are some possible explanations. Perhaps, where the relationship exists is in the caliber of teams. While the top 10 offensive teams in the nation averaged roughly .75 shot clock warnings per game, the bottom 10 offensive teams averaged only .45. The difference may not seem drastic, but it is statistically significant. This may suggest that the more skilled offensive teams are the ones that are better able to hold onto the ball for an extended length of time, thus incurring stall warnings.

So is it the right time for college lacrosse to add a shot clock? Should the committee take a wait-and-see approach and let another two years of games play out? The data suggests that there are some discrepancies in the ways in which shot clock warnings are called, but it’s not clear to pin those differences solely on the rules and not consider the varying levels of skills among teams.

Whether the committee elects to add a shot clock, it seems as though modifications will be made that the rules more clear and to help fans enjoy the game more. What those will be, we’ll find out Thursday.